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James Lance
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James Frederick Grenville Lance (born 29 September 1974)[1][2] is an English actor, best known for his appearances in a number of British comedy series and as Trent Crimm on the British-American comedy series Ted Lasso, for which he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2022.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Lance was born in Southampton on 29 September 1974[3] and grew up in Westbury-sub-Mendip, Somerset. He attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School.[4]
Career
[edit]Lance first started acting in 1988 in two Persil Liquid adverts with British actor Peter Sallis.[5] His appearances in comedy series include Top Buzzer,[6] I'm Alan Partridge,[7] Absolute Power,[8] Spaced,[9] Absolutely Fabulous,[9] Smack the Pony,[9] The Upper Hand, The Book Group,[10] 2point4 Children, Rescue Me,[11] Doc Martin, People Like Us,[12] No Heroics,[13] Toast of London, Saxondale and, most recently, as the recurring character Trent Crimm, a sportswriter at The Independent, on the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso.[14]
Drama appearances have included Teachers,[15] Boy Meets Girl,[16] The Impressionists,[17] Sensitive Skin,[18] Marple, Being Human,[19] Midsomer Murders, Moving Wallpaper, Black Mirror,[20] The Canterville Ghost[21] and The Famous Five.[22]
Lance has also appeared in the films Late Night Shopping, The Search for John Gissing, Marie Antoinette, Bronson and Bel Ami.
Lance voiced several UK TV commercials for brands such as Maybelline, Wrigley's Extra, the AA [citation needed] and Moneysupermarket.com.[citation needed]
Lance appeared on stage as Miles at the Trafalgar Studios in May 2009 in Marcus Markou's play Ordinary Dreams; Or How to Survive a Meltdown with Flair. He portrayed Eric Idle at the 2009 Edinburgh Festival in a play called Pythonesque by writer Roy Smiles.[23]
Personal life
[edit]In 2016, Lance married Kate Quilton.[24] The couple have a son, born in 2018.
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | A Fistful of Fingers | Grindolini | |
| 1998 | The Conversation | Short film | |
| 2001 | Late Night Shopping | Vincent | |
| The Search for John Gissing | Donny the Janitor | ||
| Subterrain | Kieran | ||
| It's Not You, It's Me | Henry | Short film | |
| 2004 | Call Register | Julian | Short film |
| 2005 | The Lead | The Lead | Short film |
| 2006 | Marie Antoinette | Léonard | |
| 2007 | Hard to Swallow | Carlos | Short film |
| Rubbish | Julian | Short film | |
| 2008 | Bronson | Phil | |
| 2009 | City Rats | Chris | |
| Mr. Right | Harry | ||
| 2011 | Man in Fear | Gilchrist | Short film |
| Departure | Jack Taylor | Short film | |
| Happy Birthday Jim | Jim | Short film | |
| 2012 | Bel Ami | François Laroche | |
| 2013 | The Look of Love | Carl Snitcher | |
| Legendary | Doug McConnel | ||
| 2014 | Northern Soul | DJ Ray Henderson | |
| 2015 | Swansong | Simon Dunton | |
| January | Laurence | ||
| 2017 | The Bookshop | Milo North | |
| 2020 | Concrete Plans | Richard | |
| 2021 | I'm Not in Love | Rob's Dad | |
| Me, Myself and Di | Chris Craven | ||
| 2022 | The Mountain | The Milk | Short film |
| Hounded | Hugo Redwick | ||
| 2023 | The Devil Went Down to Islington | Nick Kolski | |
| 2024 | Hanging | Narrator (voice) | Short film |
| The Salt Path | Grant | ||
| 2025 | Tinsel Town | TBA | Post-production |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Jackanory | Will | 4 episodes |
| 1991 | The Upper Hand | Rick McGuire | Episode: "The Babysitter" |
| Teenage Health Freak | Contestant | Episode: "Blast Off!" | |
| 1992 | Absolutely Fabulous | Daniel | Episode: "ISO Tank" |
| 1993 | Conjugal Rites | Boyfriend | Episode: "Bedtime Story" |
| 1994 | Second Thoughts | Ian | Episode: "She's Leaving Home" |
| Waiting for God | Boy in hospital | Episode: "Trouble with Men" | |
| 1995 | The Bill | Alexis Vasiliakis | Episode: "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" |
| 1996 | Family Money | Youth | TV series |
| 1997 | I'm Alan Partridge | Ben | 5 episodes |
| 1998–1999 | 2point4 Children | Keith | 2 episodes |
| 1999 | People Like Us | Mark | Episode: "The Estate Agent" |
| Spaced | Richard | 3 episodes | |
| 1999–2002 | Smack the Pony | 5 episodes | |
| 2000 | Safe as Houses | Man on Estate | TV film |
| 2002 | Rescue Me | Guy | 6 episodes |
| 2002–2003 | The Book Group | Lachlan Glendenning / Barney Glendenning | 12 episodes |
| Teachers | Matt Harvey | 14 episodes | |
| 2003–2005 | Absolute Power | Jamie Front | 12 episodes |
| 2004 | Top Buzzer | Sticky | 10 episodes |
| 2005–2007 | Sensitive Skin | Orlando Jackson | 7 episodes |
| 2006 | The Impressionists | Bazille | Episode: "#1.1" |
| Saxondale | Matt | Episode: "Cockroaches" | |
| Losing It | Leo | TV film | |
| 2007 | The Afternoon Play | Tom Hunter | Episode: "The Real Deal" |
| Biffovision | Mr. Hugo | TV film | |
| 2007–2009 | Katy Brand's Big Ass Show | 15 episodes | |
| 2008 | The Last Enemy | Bryan Holland | 2 episodes |
| Hotel Babylon | Tom | Episode: "#3.6" | |
| No Heroics | Timebomb | 6 episodes | |
| Marple | Dr Geoffrey Thomas | Episode: "Murder is Easy" | |
| 2008–2009 | Moving Wallpaper | Tom Warren | 18 episodes |
| 2009 | Boy Meets Girl | Ali | 4 episodes |
| 2012 | Being Human | Kirby | 2 episodes |
| 2013 | Black Mirror | Conor Simpson | Episode: "The Waldo Moment" |
| Toast of London | Martin Aynuss | Episode: "Vanity Project" | |
| 2014 | Siblings | Rich | Episode: "Vet Drugs" |
| Babylon | Granger | 3 episodes | |
| 2015 | Midsomer Murders | Silas Raven | Episode: "The Dagger Club" |
| 2016 | Houdini & Doyle | Barrett Underhill | Episode: "Spring-Heel'd Jack" |
| I Want My Wife Back | Julian Wolverton | 2 episodes | |
| Hoff the Record | Anton | Episode: "The Horror" | |
| Mount Pleasant | Adam Wyatt | 6 episodes | |
| 2018 | Benidorm | Angelo | Episode: "#10.9" |
| Agatha Raisin | Jonny Shawpart | Episode: "The Wizard of Evesham" | |
| 2019 | Doc Martin | Nathan Fowler | Episode: "Equilibrium" |
| 2020 | Pennyworth | Jacques Duval | Episode: "The Hunted Fox" |
| 2020–2023 | Ted Lasso | Trent Crimm (The Independent) | 22 episodes |
| 2021 | Murder, They Hope | Clive | Episode: "The Bunny Trap" |
| The Canterville Ghost | Hiram Otis | 4 episodes | |
| 2022 | Fate: The Winx Saga | Uncle Arthur | Episode: "Your Newfound Popularity" |
| 2023–2024 | The Famous Five | Uncle Quentin | 3 episodes |
| 2025 | NCIS: Tony & Ziva | Archie | Episode: "Dark Mirror" |
Music videos
[edit]| Title | Year | Artist | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miss Erotica | 2025 | Peach PRC | "The Guy" | [25] |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Association | Category | Project | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Ted Lasso | Nominated | [26] |
| 2022 | Online Film & Television Association | Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | [27] | |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | [28] | ||
| 2023 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Nominated | [29] |
References
[edit]- ^ "James Frederick Grenville LANCE personal appointments - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
- ^ "James Lance - British Comedy Guide". www.comedy.co.uk. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
- ^ "James Lance". Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ "Sylvia Young Theatre School - Alumni". sylviayoungtheatreschool.co.uk. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
- ^ "Persil Liquid (1988) Discussion". moviechat.org.
- ^ "Top Buzzer". comedy.co.uk. British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "I'm Alan Partridge". bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Biographies". bbc.co.uk. BBC. 29 October 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ a b c Siegle, Lucy (27 July 2003). "On the verge". theguardian.com. The Observer. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "The Book Group". comedy.co.uk. British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Rescue Me". bbc.co.uk. BBC. 28 October 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ John, Lawrence (4 July 2018). "Big Interview: The Bookshop film star, James Lance from Somerset talks to the County Gazette". Somerset County Gazette. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "The cast of No Heroics popped in to see Chappers". bbc.co.uk. BBC. Archived from the original on 16 January 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ Schneider, Michael (16 June 2023). "'Ted Lasso' Star James Lance 'Cried' When He Learned About His Arc in Season 3: 'It Changed the Course of My Life'". variety.com. Variety. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ Eames, Tom (5 October 2016). "Teachers started 15 years ago: Where are the cast now?". digitalspy.com. Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "James Lance". empireonline.com. Empire. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "The Impressionists". bbc.co.uk. BBC. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Sensitive Skin". bbc.co.uk. BBC. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ Jeffery, Morgan (9 January 2012). "Mark Gatiss, James Lance land 'Being Human' roles". digitalspy.com. Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Black Mirror – Season 2, Episode 3". rottentomatoes.com. Rotten Tomatoes. 25 February 2013. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Oscar Wilde's 'The Canterville Ghost' is being adapted by BBC as mini-series". britishperioddramas.com. British Period Dramas. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "The Famous Five cast on bringing Enid Blyton's classics to life and engaging "our inner child, our inner imagination"". bbc.co.uk. BBC. 9 December 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ Jones, Alice (25 August 2009). "Pythonesque, Udderbelly's Pasture". The Independent. Retrieved 16 June 2010.
- ^ Croce, Maria (1 January 2018). "TV presenter Kate Quilton opens up on her actor husband, motherhood and fat-busting curries". The Daily Record.
- ^ Lance, James. ""Miss Erotica" is out today! ✨". Instagram. Retrieved 11 November 2025.
- ^ Moreau, Jordan; Oganesyan, Natalie (4 February 2021). "2021 SAG Awards: The Complete Nominations List". Variety. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
- ^ "26th Annual TV Awards (2021-22)". OFTA. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie; Hipes, Patrick (12 July 2022). "Emmy Nominations: The Complete List". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
- ^ "Nominations Announced for the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®" (Press release). Screen Actors Guild. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
External links
[edit]- James Lance at IMDb
James Lance
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Birth and family background
James Lance was born on 29 September 1975 in Southampton, England.[3] He grew up in the rural village of Westbury-sub-Mendip in Somerset during the 1980s, where he enjoyed outdoor activities such as running in the fields and building a treehouse.[7] His mother, Catherine Lance, owns and operates a café in Somerset and has been supportive of his career from an early age, including filming one of his auditions on an iPhone in her kitchen.[8] Lance developed an early interest in performing arts, inspired by seeing a production of Shakespeare's Othello at age eight and participating in a school performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, where he played one of the brothers and received his first audience laugh.[7] This enthusiasm led to his professional acting debut at age ten in the film The Russian Soldier, filmed near his hometown, before he pursued formal training at the Sylvia Young Theatre School.[8]Schooling and early training
James Lance was born in Southampton, England, in 1975, but spent much of his childhood in the rural village of Westbury-sub-Mendip in Somerset, where he grew up in the 1980s enjoying outdoor activities like running through fields and building treehouses.[9] His early schooling included time at a local boarding school, from which he was expelled, leading him to attend a comprehensive school as a consequence.[10] During his school years, Lance was exposed to theatre through productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in which he played the role of Reuben; the audience's laughter during his performance ignited his passion for acting, creating a sense of community and joy that he sought to recapture.[10] At around age eight, he attended a production of Shakespeare's Othello, further fueling his interest in performance.[9] Lance's formal entry into acting began at age ten, when he auditioned and landed his first professional role as Danny in the BBC Screen Two drama The Russian Soldier (1986), a supernatural story involving a farmer and a mysterious figure during the Cold War era.[10][11] This opportunity, discovered through local auditions in a nearby village, prompted him to hire an agent and relocate to London at age twelve to pursue acting full-time.[10] In London, he enrolled at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, a specialist performing arts institution, where he received foundational training in acting, dance, and voice as part of its full-time program.[12] His early experiences, marked by the thrill of audience connection and the discipline of professional sets, solidified his commitment to the craft, shaping a career that emphasized collaborative and transformative storytelling.[10] By age thirteen, Lance had secured his first commercial work, appearing alongside veteran actor Peter Sallis in two Persil Liquid adverts for Hotpoint washing machines in 1988, portraying one of the brothers in a lighthearted domestic scenario.[13] These initial steps, combining school-inspired enthusiasm with structured training at Sylvia Young, provided the essential groundwork for his development as an actor, focusing on versatility and emotional depth from a young age.[12]Career
Early roles and breakthrough
James Lance began his professional acting career as a child, appearing in television advertisements for Rice Krispies and PG Tips starting at the age of five. These early commercials, filmed in his native Dorset, led to schoolyard teasing but marked his initial foray into performance. He trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, where he honed his skills alongside other young talents from the advertising world.[14] By his early teens, Lance transitioned to scripted television, landing a role as Tommy's friend in the ITV sitcom The Upper Hand in 1991. This appearance represented his shift from child performer to more structured narrative roles, though still in supporting capacities within family-oriented comedies. In 1992, he made a brief but notable guest appearance as Daniel in the BBC comedy Absolutely Fabulous, playing a schoolboy in the episode "Iso Tank," which showcased his emerging comedic timing amid the series' chaotic ensemble.[14][1] Throughout the late 1990s, Lance built experience in both drama and comedy, appearing in episodes of straight dramas such as The Bill and Family Money, which provided a foundation in more serious characterizations before his comedic breakthrough. His pivotal early role came in 1997 as Ben, the intelligent yet hapless night manager at the Linton Travel Tavern, in the first series of the BBC mockumentary I'm Alan Partridge. This part, opposite Steve Coogan's titular character, highlighted Lance's subtle ability to deliver deadpan humor and awkward charm, earning critical notice and establishing him within Britain's burgeoning comedy scene.[14] Lance continued to gain momentum in comedy during the early 2000s, with guest spots as Richard, Daisy's distant boyfriend, in the first season of Channel 4's cult hit Spaced in 1999, where his portrayal added layers of relational tension to the flatshare sitcom. He also featured in sketch series like Smack the Pony and People Like Us, contributing to his reputation for versatile, understated performances. A significant step forward arrived in 2001 with the role of Matt Harvey, a fitness-obsessed and predatory English teacher, in the Channel 4 series Teachers, where he joined as a series regular from the second season onward, helping to anchor the show's blend of irreverent humor and workplace realism. These roles solidified his breakthrough, transitioning him fully into adult leads within prominent British television comedies.[14][15]Television work
Lance gained prominence in British television during the 2000s through his role as Matt Harvey, an idealistic English teacher navigating personal and professional chaos, in the Channel 4 comedy-drama series Teachers from 2002 to 2004.[16] In this portrayal, he depicted a character grappling with workplace absurdities and romantic entanglements, contributing to the show's satirical take on education and youth culture across three seasons.[17] His performance in Teachers exemplified his knack for blending humor with vulnerability, a theme that recurred in subsequent roles. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Lance appeared in several other notable British series, often embodying witty, flawed protagonists in comedic settings. In the political satire Absolute Power (2003–2005), he played Jamie Front, a scheming PR assistant, highlighting the cutthroat world of spin doctoring.[3] He also featured as the hapless Sticky in the sitcom Top Buzzer (2004) and as the charming but insecure Orlando Jackson in Sensitive Skin (2005–2007), roles that underscored his versatility in portraying characters caught between ambition and self-doubt.[3] A standout dramatic turn came in 2013 when he portrayed Conor Simpson, a pragmatic political aide, in the Black Mirror episode "The Waldo Moment," exploring themes of media manipulation and political disillusionment in a dystopian narrative.[18] Lance achieved international recognition with his role as Trent Crimm, a sharp-tongued journalist for The Independent, in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso (2020–2023). Initially introduced as a cynical antagonist skeptical of American coach Ted Lasso's unorthodox methods, Crimm's arc evolved across the three seasons from adversarial scrutiny to reluctant admiration, reflecting personal growth amid professional pressures.[19] By season three, the character undergoes significant transformation: he becomes a father, abandons his rigid persona—dropping "The Independent" from his byline—and channels his experiences into writing The Lasso Way, a book celebrating Lasso's philosophy of kindness and resilience.[20] This evolution mirrored broader shifts in the comedy genre, where Lance's portrayals often bridged sarcasm and sincerity, influencing character-driven narratives that prioritize emotional depth over pure farce. Following Ted Lasso, Lance continued to diversify his television portfolio with roles in both British and international productions up to 2025. In the 2023 adaptation of The Famous Five, he played Uncle Quentin, the quirky inventor uncle providing comic relief and familial support in the three-episode arc.[21] In 2025, Lance took on the role of Archie in the spin-off series NCIS: Tony & Ziva, contributing to its espionage-thriller elements.[21] He also appeared in the 2025 Christmas special of Beyond Paradise.[22] These projects extended his recurring exploration of resilient, multifaceted characters, further solidifying his impact on contemporary comedy and drama.Film roles
Lance began his film career in the early 2000s with supporting roles in independent British productions. His debut feature appearance was in Late Night Shopping (2001), where he played a minor character in the ensemble comedy-drama directed by Saul Metzstein. This was followed by a small part in The Search for John Gissing (2001), a satirical film about an American executive's misadventures in London. These early credits established Lance in the British indie scene, often portraying quirky or understated figures. A notable breakthrough came with his role as Léonard Autié, the extravagant royal hairdresser, in Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette (2006). In this visually opulent historical drama starring Kirsten Dunst, Lance's performance added a touch of flamboyant humor to the court's excesses, marking his first international exposure.[23] He followed this with a supporting turn as Phil Danielson, the prison art teacher, in Nicolas Winding Refn's Bronson (2008), a stylized biopic of Britain's most notorious prisoner, where Lance's character provided a brief counterpoint to Tom Hardy's intense lead portrayal. Lance continued to build his film presence with François Laroche in Bel Ami (2012), an adaptation of Guy de Maupassant's novel directed by Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod, in which he played a journalist entangled in the social machinations of 19th-century Paris alongside Robert Pattinson. His most prominent film role to date arrived in Northern Soul (2014), where he portrayed DJ Ray Henderson, a charismatic figure in the 1970s Northern Soul subculture. In Elaine Constantine's semi-autobiographical drama, Lance's energetic depiction of the DJ helped capture the music scene's fervor and community spirit, earning praise for its authenticity. In recent years, Lance has transitioned toward more substantial character-driven parts. He played Milo North in the literary adaptation The Bookshop (2017).[24] In 2023, he appeared as Nick Kolski in the comedy-horror The Devil Went Down to Islington. He voiced the narrator in the short film Hanging (2024), directed by Spencer Brown and Dominic Keavey, contributing to its introspective tone on personal loss. In The Salt Path (2024), adapted from Raynor Winn's memoir and directed by Marianne Elliott, Lance played Grant, a compassionate landowner who aids the protagonists during their grueling coastal walk, showcasing his ability to convey quiet empathy in a story of resilience and hardship.[25] This role highlighted his growing affinity for emotionally layered supporting characters in literary adaptations.[26] Lance is set to appear in the upcoming holiday comedy Tinsel Town (2025), directed by Chris Cottam, alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson; details on his character remain undisclosed, but the film follows a faded action star rediscovering joy in a British village pantomime.[27] Over his film career, Lance has evolved from peripheral comedic supporting roles—often influenced by his television background in series like Teachers—to more integral parts that blend wit with dramatic depth, reflecting a deliberate shift toward narratives emphasizing human connection and cultural specificity.[4]Theatre appearances
James Lance began his stage career in the late 1990s with roles in regional productions. In 1999, he portrayed Samuel Breeze in John Whiting's A Penny for a Song, staged by the Oxford Stage Company at venues including the Oxford Playhouse and Richmond Theatre.[28] Four years later, in 2003–2004, Lance appeared in Luigi Pirandello's Henry IV at the Bristol Old Vic – Theatre Royal, contributing to an ensemble that included Ian McDiarmid in the title role.[29] These early appearances established his versatility in dramatic works, blending physicality and character depth before transitioning to more comedic stage fare. Lance's breakthrough in theatre came in 2009 with two notable comedy productions. He played Miles in Marcus Markou's dark comedy Ordinary Dreams; Or How to Survive a Meltdown with Flair at Trafalgar Studios 2, reuniting with former Teachers co-star Adrian Bower in a story of financial crisis and personal turmoil.[30] Later that year, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, he embodied Monty Python member Eric Idle in Roy Smiles' Pythonesque, a play exploring Graham Chapman's struggles with alcoholism, where Lance's vocal and physical mimicry earned praise for its energy.[31] These roles highlighted his comedic timing, honed through television, which he has noted informs his ability to engage audiences spontaneously in live settings.[32] Throughout the 2010s, Lance continued to diversify his stage portfolio with a mix of farce, new writing, and character-driven pieces. In 2014, he took on the role of the bumbling Bertie Wooster in Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense at the Duke of York's Theatre, succeeding Mark Heap and touring with John Gordon Sinclair as Jeeves in the P.G. Wodehouse adaptation.[33] The following year, in 2015, he starred as the charismatic but desperate Hank in Nick Darke's The Dead Monkey at the Park Theatre, a dark comedy about a strained marriage set against a Cornish beach house, where his performance captured the play's blend of humor and pathos.[34] In 2017, Lance led as Daniel, a solicitor navigating surrogacy and family tensions, in Chris Thompson's premiere of Of Kith and Kin at Sheffield Crucible and the Bush Theatre, a production that delved into contemporary themes of gay parenthood with emotional intensity.[35] Lance's approach to live performance emphasizes adaptability and immersion, turning unexpected moments—like splitting his trousers onstage during Jeeves and Wooster—into opportunities for audience connection and laughter.[32] He has described theatre as a "magic spell" that demands nightly emotional investment, particularly in roles requiring vulnerability.[36] In recent years, Lance returned to classical theatre with a critically acclaimed turn as the titular Uncle Vanya in Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, directed by Trevor Nunn at the Orange Tree Theatre in 2024. Running from March to April, the in-the-round production explored themes of unfulfilled lives and environmental despair, with Lance's portrayal of the tragic, ranting Vanya drawing audiences to tears nightly through its raw humanity and comedic undertones.[37] This role underscored his affinity for Chekhov's blend of humor and pathos, marking a poignant evolution in his stage career.[38]Personal life
Marriage and family
James Lance married British journalist and television presenter Kate Quilton in 2016 after three years of dating.[39] The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in June 2018.[40] Quilton has described the early years of parenthood as an "absolute joy," stating that she and Lance were "bowled over" by how much they loved their son and recommending the experience highly.[41]Public persona and interests
James Lance is known for maintaining a low-key public persona, shunning the excesses of fame in favor of a grounded lifestyle centered in London, where he balances professional endeavors with family responsibilities. Despite global recognition from his acting roles, he has limited social media engagement, primarily using platforms like Instagram for occasional professional updates rather than personal revelations. This approach underscores his preference for privacy, allowing him to focus on meaningful connections over public scrutiny.[42] Lance's personal interests include a deep appreciation for music, particularly artists like Dolly Parton and Nick Cave, whose aesthetics influence his everyday style choices. He views clothing as a powerful means of self-expression, often opting for comfortable, playful garments such as wide-leg trousers, jumpsuits, and vibrant colors that symbolize personal growth and freedom. In one interview, he described this evolution in attire as "a perfect metaphor for my life," highlighting how fashion serves as an extension of his inner world.[42] On matters of well-being, Lance has openly discussed his experiences with therapy, calling it "challenging, painful, rewarding, and fascinating," which reflects a thoughtful engagement with mental health. He is a staunch supporter of the UK's National Health Service, expressing pride in its accessibility and opting for it over costly alternatives encountered abroad, such as during a health scare in America. While not overtly involved in formal advocacy, Lance has emphasized the importance of normalizing diverse sexualities, aligning this stance with his broader personal values of authenticity and acceptance.[43][42]Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | A Fistful of Fingers | Grindolini [44] |
| 2001 | The Search for John Gissing | Donny the Janitor [45] |
| 2001 | Late Night Shopping | Vincent [46] |
| 2006 | Marie Antoinette | Léonard [47] |
| 2008 | Bronson | Phil [48] |
| 2009 | City Rats | Chris [49] |
| 2012 | Bel Ami | François Laroche [50] |
| 2013 | The Look of Love | Carl Snitcher [51] |
| 2013 | Legendary: Tomb of the Dragon | Doug McConnell [52] |
| 2014 | Northern Soul | DJ Ray Henderson [53] |
| 2015 | Estranged | Laurence [54] |
| 2017 | The Bookshop | Milo North [55] |
| 2020 | Concrete Plans | Richard [56] |
| 2021 | Me, Myself and Di | Chris Craven [57] |
| 2021 | I'm Not in Love | Rob's Dad [58] |
| 2022 | Hounded | Hugo Redwick [59] |
| 2024 | The Salt Path | Grant [60] |
| 2025 | Tinsel Town | TBA [61] |
Television
James Lance has appeared in a wide range of British and international television productions, often in comedic roles but also in dramatic and period pieces. His credits span guest appearances, recurring parts, and series regulars, with notable work in acclaimed series such as I'm Alan Partridge, Teachers, and Ted Lasso. Below is a chronological list of his television appearances, including series, miniseries, TV films, and specials.| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | I'm Alan Partridge | Ben | Recurring role (5 episodes, series 1) [62] |
| 1999 | People Like Us | Mark | Guest star (1 episode: "The Estate Agent") |
| 1999 | Spaced | Richard | Recurring role (3 episodes) |
| 1999–2002 | Smack the Pony | Various | Guest star (5 episodes) |
| 2000 | Safe as Houses | Man on Estate | TV film |
| 2001–2004 | Teachers | Matt Harvey | Series regular (seasons 2–4, 14 episodes) [17] |
| 2002 | Rescue Me | Guy | Series regular (6 episodes) |
| 2002–2003 | The Book Group | Barney Glendenning | Series regular (12 episodes) |
| 2003–2005 | Absolute Power | Jamie Front | Series regular (12 episodes) |
| 2004 | Top Buzzer | Sticky | Series regular (5 episodes) |
| 2005 | The Thick of It | Ben Swain | Guest star (1 episode) |
| 2005–2007 | Sensitive Skin | Orlando Jackson | Series regular (12 episodes) |
| 2006 | Hyperdrive | Spaceboy | Guest star (3 episodes) |
| 2007 | Skins | Foster parent | Guest star (1 episode) |
| 2008 | No Heroics | Timebomb | Series regular (6 episodes) |
| 2008–2009 | Moving Wallpaper | Jim Shelley | Series regular (10 episodes) |
| 2009 | Boy Meets Girl | Woody | Series regular (6 episodes) |
| 2010 | Sherlock | DI Creetin | Guest star (1 episode: "The Great Game") |
| 2011 | Fresh Meat | Bus driver | Guest star (1 episode) |
| 2012 | The Thick of It | Ben Swain | Recurring role (2 episodes) |
| 2013 | The Wrong Mans | Mark | Guest star (1 episode) |
| 2013 | Black Mirror | Conor Simpson | Guest star (1 episode: "The Waldo Moment") |
| 2013 | Toast of London | Martin Aynuss | Guest star (1 episode) |
| 2014 | Siblings | Rich | Series regular (5 episodes) |
| 2014 | Inside No. 9 | Tom | Guest star (1 episode: "The 12 Days of Christine") |
| 2014 | Babylon | Tony Gardner | Series regular (5 episodes) |
| 2015 | You, Me and the Apocalypse | Scotty McNeil | Series regular (10 episodes) |
| 2016 | The Crown | Lord Altrincham | Recurring role (2 episodes) |
| 2017 | Zapped | Frank Armstrong | Guest star (1 episode) |
| 2019 | Year of the Rabbit | DI Hugh Dicks | Series regular (6 episodes) |
| 2020–2023 | Ted Lasso | Trent Crimm | Recurring role (seasons 1–3, 20 episodes) |
| 2021 | The Great | Count Vorontsov | Guest star (2 episodes) |
| 2022 | The Sandman | John Hathaway | Guest star (1 episode: "The Sound of Her Wings") |
| 2023 | The Power | Daniel Dandon | Series regular (6 episodes) |
| 2023 | The Famous Five | Uncle Quentin | Series regular (season 1) |
| 2024 | Douglas Is Cancelled | Roland Plenderleith | Series regular (4 episodes) |
| 2025 | NCIS: Tony & Ziva | Archie | Guest star (season 1) |
Theatre
Lance began his professional theatre career in the early 1990s with fringe and regional productions. One of his earliest notable credits was in 1992, appearing in the musical Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens at the King's Head Theatre in London.[63] In 2004, he portrayed Landolf in a new version of Luigi Pirandello's Henry IV, directed by Michael Grandage at the Donmar Warehouse in London.[28] Lance's 2009 stage work included the role of Eric Idle in Pythonesque, a biographical play about Monty Python performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.[64] That same year, he played Miles in Marcus Markou's Ordinary Dreams; Or How to Survive a Meltdown with Flair at Trafalgar Studios 2 in London.[30] In 2010, Lance starred as Frank, a recovering drug addict, in Nick Grosso's comedy Ingredient X at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in London.[65] Later that year, he participated as a reader in the London premiere of Celebrity Autobiography at Leicester Square Theatre.[66] He took on the role of Hank, a former surfer facing marital strife, in Nick Darke's The Dead Monkey at Park Theatre in London in 2015.[67] From 2013 to 2015, Lance portrayed Bertie Wooster in the Olivier Award-winning adaptation Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, initially at the Duke of York's Theatre in London before embarking on a UK tour.[68] In 2017, he played Daniel, a solicitor grappling with impending fatherhood, in the world premiere of Of Kith and Kin by Nina Raine, first at Sheffield Theatres (14 September–7 October) and then transferring to the Bush Theatre in London (18 October–25 November).[69] Lance appeared in the 2019 UK tour of the comedy What's in a Name? (original title Le Prénom), playing Vincent at venues including Theatre Royal Glasgow.[70] His most recent stage role as of 2025 was Uncle Vanya in Anton Chekhov's classic, directed by Trevor Nunn at the Orange Tree Theatre in London in 2024 (2 March–13 April).[38]| Year | Production | Role | Venue(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens | Ensemble | King's Head Theatre, London |
| 2004 | Henry IV | Landolf | Donmar Warehouse, London |
| 2009 | Pythonesque | Eric Idle | Edinburgh Festival Fringe |
| 2009 | Ordinary Dreams | Miles | Trafalgar Studios 2, London |
| 2010 | Ingredient X | Frank | Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, London |
| 2010 | Celebrity Autobiography | Reader | Leicester Square Theatre, London |
| 2015 | The Dead Monkey | Hank | Park Theatre, London |
| 2013–2015 | Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense | Bertie Wooster | Duke of York's Theatre, London; UK tour |
| 2017 | Of Kith and Kin | Daniel | Sheffield Theatres; Bush Theatre, London |
| 2019 | What's in a Name? | Vincent | UK tour (incl. Theatre Royal Glasgow) |
| 2024 | Uncle Vanya | Uncle Vanya | Orange Tree Theatre, London |
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